The importance of artistic expression in expressing emotions of a child on the autism spectrum - a case study

Abstract

For many years, therapeutic methods have been developed to improve the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum. One of the most modern therapeutic forms is art therapy. The creative process stimulates both cerebral hemispheres at the same time. This results in the emotional and cognitive development of the child and this, in turn, improves the child’s social development. In addition, an autistic child who has difficulty controlling and expressing his or her emotions through drawing, painting or sculpting has the opportunity to learn how to deal with emotional tension. When analyzing the artistic creations of autistic children, one can not only get an aesthetic impression, but also notice their hidden content. They represent an individual story of emotions, experiences and deeply hidden anxieties. The drawings are characterized by their simplicity, schematic and minimalist form. By knowing the meanings of the expressions used, we can try to get to know the child’s personality traits, character, passions and history. Autism spectrum disorder hinders drawing development considerably, but does not rule it out completely. The main aim of the article, ‘The importance of artistic expression in expressing the emotions of a child on the autism spectrum – a case study’, is to draw conclusions from the analysis of the drawing works of an autistic child in the context of the child’s varied emotions. The author of the article, drawing on the literature on the subject and her own experiences and interests, describes the world of emotions of a child with autism spectrum hidden in the drawings.